Container lift system

ABSTRACT

A lift system for a refuse collection vehicle, cooperable with pivotal connection means mounted on such vehicle, for tilting refuse containers and thereby charging the contents thereof into such vehicle, generally including a takeup or hoist mechanism mounted on the vehicle, a first cable operatively connected to the takeup mechanism and provided with means detachably connectable to a first container when such container is pivotally connected to the vehicle for tilting the container, at least a second cable supported on the vehicle having means detachably connectable to a second container when such container is pivotally connected to the vehicle, and means for detachably connecting such cables together whereupon when the second container is pivotally connected to the vehicle, the second cable is connected to the second container, the cables are connected together and the takeup mechanism is operated, the second container will be caused to tilt toward the vehicle and charge the contents thereof into the vehicle.

United States atent [191 McKenzie et a1.

[ 1 Oct. 16, 1973 CONTAINER LIFT SYSTEM [75] Inventors: Roland W. McKenzie; Richard Stansberry, both of Culpeper, Va.

[73] Assignee: City Tank Corporation, Culpeper,

[22] Filed: June 21, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 264,756

Primary Examiner-Gerald M. Forlenza Assistant Examiner-Lawrence J. Oresky Attorney-Thomas B. Van Poole et al.

[5 7] ABSTRACT A lift system for a refuse collection vehicle, cooperable with pivotal connection means mounted on such vehicle, for tilting refuse containers and thereby charging the contents thereof into such vehicle, generally including a takeup or hoist mechanism mounted on the vehicle, a first cable operatively connected to the takeup mechanism and provided with means detachably connectable to a first container when such container is pivotally connected to the vehicle for tilting the container, at least a second cable supported on the vehicle having means detachably connectable to a second container when such container is pivotally connected to the vehicle, and means for detachably connecting such cables together whereupon when the second container is pivotally connected to the vehicle, the second cable is connected to the second container, the cables are connected together and the takeup mechanism is operated, the second container will be caused to tilt toward the vehicle and charge the contents thereof into the vehicle.

24 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures M I g ll SHEET 1 0F 4 I WI I HM HW PAIEmmom 1 6 Ian PATENIEUncr I6 1913 SHEET 2 0F 4 PATENTEDUU 16 ms 3.755555 SHEET 4 [IF 4 CONTAINER LIFT SYSTEM This invention relates to a novel container lift system and more particularly to a system for lifting and tilting a refuse container pivotally connected to a refuse collection vehicle, for discharging the contents thereof through a refuse receiving opening, into the vehicle. The invention further contemplates a novel container lift system adapted to accommodate effectively refuse containers of different load capacities.

In the refuse collection industry, there has been developed a refuse collection apparatus which generally includes a refuse storage body mountable on a truck chassis, a refuse receiving hopper mounted on the rear end of the storage body, and a mechanism disposed within the receiving hopper for transferring refuse charged into the hopper from the hopper to the storage body, and compacting the refuse in the storage body. Usually, the hopper is provided with a refuse receiving opening through which refuse is charged into the hopper and means in the form of support brackets or hinged members for-pivotally connecting the refuse containers to the hopper, and the mechanism for transferring and compacting the refuse includes a packer panel which is adapted to pivot and sweep refuse charged into the hopper into the storage body.

It has been the conventional practice in the refuse collection industry to cause refuse to be collected in containers capable of being manually lifted and dumped into the receiving hoppers of such vehicles. More recently, however, to accommodate larger amounts of refuse which might accumulate at a particular location, such as refuse produced by industrial and commercial concerns, larger on-site containers have been developed which are adapted to be pivotally connected to the receiving hoppers of collection vehicles, and to be raised and tilted by means of mechanism mounted on the collection vehicles, to discharge the contents of the containers into the receiving hoppers of the collection'vehicles. Such large capacity containers requiring hoist or lift systems for raising and tilting them, have varied in size and load capacity, ranging from one to six cubic yards in capacity.

Because of the variety of sizes of on-site large capacity containers, it has-been found that the container lift systems used in the prior art are not effective in efficiently accommodating. the use of containers of different capacities and particularly-in accommodating containers in the l and 2.cubic yard range and the 3 to 6 cubic yard range. Accordingly, it has been found to be desirable to develop a container lift system for effectively lifting and tilting large capacity refuse containers of varying capacities overa range of one to 6 cubic yards.

It thus is the principal object of the present invention to provide a novel container lift sys'te'm.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel container lift system suitable for use with refuse collection vehicles.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a novel lift system for large capacity containers.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a novel lift system for a refuse collection vehicle which is adapted to accommodate large capacity containers of different sizes.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel container lift system for a refuse collection vehicle wherein the refuse containers are adapted to be pivotally or hingedly connected to the refuse collection vehicle.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a novel container lift system for use with a refuse collection vehicle including a storage body mounted on a truck chassis and a refuse receiving hopper mounted on the rear end of such hopper which is adapted to accommodate large capacity containers of different sizes.

A more specific object of the present invention is to provide a novel container lift system for a refuse collection vehicle including a refuse storage body mounted on a chassis and a refuse receiving hopper mounted on the rear end of such a storage body which is adapted to lift and tilt large capacity containers of different sizes which may be detachably pivotally or hingedly connected to the refuse receiving hoppers of such vehicles.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel container lift system for a refuse collection vehicle adapted to accommodate large capacity containers of different sizes, which is comparatively simple in construction, relatively inexpensive to manufacture and service, and highly effective in performance.

- Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to those persons having ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains, from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a refuse collection vehicle on which there is mounted an embodiment of the invention; 7

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line 3--3 in FIG. 2, illustrating the takeup or hoist mechanism utilized in the embodiment;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line 44 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 in FIG. 4, having portions thereof broken away;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectionalview taken along line 7-7 in FIG. 6; and

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the carrier assembly utilized in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 7.

Briefly described, the present invention relates to a lift system mounted on a refuse collection vehicle and cooperable with pivotal connection means mounted on the vehicle for tilting refuse containers pivotally connected to the vehicle, thereby charging the contents thereof through a refuse receiving opening into the vehicle, generally including a takeup or hoist mechanism mounted on the vehicle, a first cable operatively connected to the takeup mechanism and provided with means detachably connectable to a first container when the first container is pivotally connected to the vehicle whereupon when the first container is pivotally connected to the vehicle, the first cable is connected to the first container and the takeup meachanism is operated, the first container will be caused to tilt toward the vehicle and charge the contents thereof through the vehicle receiving opening into the vehicle, at least a second cable supported on the vehicle having means detachably connectable to a second container when the second container is pivotally connected to the vehicle,

and means for detachably connecting the cables together whereupon when the second container is pivotally connected to the vehicle, the second cable is connected to the second container, the cables are connected together and the takeup mechanism is operated, the second container will be caused to tilt toward the vehicle and charge the contents to the refuse receiving opening into the vehicle.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the system includes a carrier member slideably mounted on the vehicle between the takeup mechanism and the refuse receiving opening, the second cable is permanently connected to the carrier member, there is provided a third cable permanently connected to the carrier member, having means detachably connectable to the second container wherein the second and third cables are adapted to cooperate in tilting the second container, and the first cable includes means for detachably connecting the first cable to the carrier member whereupon when the container is pivotally connected to the vehicle, the second and third cables are connected to the second container, the first cable is connected to the carrier member and the takeup mechanism is operated, the second container will be caused to tilt toward the vehicle and charge the contents thereof to the refuse receiving opening in the vehicle.

Referring to the drawings there is illustrated a refuse collection vehicle consisting of a truck chassis 11, a refuse storage body 12 mounted on the truck chassis, a refuse receiving hopper 13 mounted on the rear end of the storage body 12 and housing a mechanism for transferring refuse charged into the hopper to the storage body and compacting the refuse in the storage body, and a container lift system 14 mounted on the storage body and receiving hopper, constituting an embodiment of the present invention, which cooperates with pivotal connection means mounted on the hopper to raise and tilt selectively a normally detached refuse container 15 having a capacity in the order of two cubic yards and a container 16 having a capacity in the order of 6 cubic yards, to charge the contents thereof through a refuse receiving opening into the hopper 13. The storage body 12 includes a floor section secured to the truck chassis 11, a pair of spaced side walls 17 and 18, a top wall 19 and a front wall providing a rear opening closed by the receiving hopper 13. The storage body further is provided with a longitudinally movable ejector panel (not shown) which is utilized to eject refuse from the storage body through the rear opening thereof when the receiving hopper is pivoted upwardly.

The refuse receiving hopper 13 consists of a pair of side walls 20 and 21 pivotally connected at their upper forward ends to the upper rearward portion of the storage body, bottom wall sections 22 and 23, and a downwardly and rearwardly curved top wall 24 which is provided with a substantially rectangular refuse receiving opening in the lower, rearward end thereof. The side walls 20 and 21, bottom wall sections 22 and 23 and the top wall 24 define a housing having a forwardly disposed opening which communicates directly with the interior of the storage body 12. Mounted within the housing is a packer mechanism which is adapted to cycle in a manner whereby it transfers refuse charged into the hopper through the receiving opening 25, to the storage body 12 and compacts such refuse against the ejector panel disposed within the storage body. As best shown in FIG. 2, the opening 25 is provided with transversely disposed upper and lower edges 26 and 27, and a pair of transversely spaced side edges 28 and 29. Mounted on the lower rearward portion of the top wall 24 is a pair of rearwardly projecting, transversely spaced support brackets and 31. The brackets 30 and 31 are spaced apart a distance slightly greater than the distance between the side edges 28 and 29 of the receiving opening 25. Each of the brackets also is provided with a downwardly and forwardly inclined cam surface 30a or 31a which merges at its lower end into a curved seating surface 30b or 31b.

The refuse containers 15 and 16 are substantially similar in construction and differ in a significant manner only in size and the location of the means provided for connecting the containers to the container lift system. As best seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the container 15 substantially consists of a pair of spaced side walls 32 and 33, a downwardly and rearwardly inclined front wall 34, a rear wall 35 and a bottom wall 36, supported on wheel units 37. As illustrated in the drawings, the spacing between the side walls 32 and 33 is slightly less than the spacing between the side edges 28 and 29 of the receiving opening 25, and the height of container 15 is slightly greater than the height of the bottom edge 27 of receiving opening 25. Disposed on the upper front portion of the container 15 is a pair of laterally projecting trunnions 38 and 39 which are adapted to engage the cam surfaces 30a and 31a of brackets 30 and 31 and slide downwardly thereon to become seated on the curved surfaces 30b and 3111 when the container 15 is being lifted as will later be described. Disposed rearwardly of the trunnions 38 and 39 is a second pair of transversely aligned trunnions 40 and 41 to which the lift system is adapted to be connected for tilting the container, as further will be described.

The container 16, as best shown in FIG. 1, includes a pair of spaced walls similar to the side walls 32 and 33 of container 15 but of greater length, a downwardly and rearwardly inclined wall similar to the wall 34 of container 15, a rear end wall and a bottom wall, supported on wheel units similar to the wheel unit 37 provided on container 15; The container 16 is provided with a pair of laterally projecting pivot trunnions disposed at the upper forward end thereof, comparable to the pivot trunnions 38 and 39 of container 15, and a single cable connecting fixture 42 mounted on the upper end of the rear wall thereof intermediate the side walls of the container. By virtue of the greater length of the container 16, it will be noted that the capacity of the container 16 will be greater than the capacity of the container 15. However, the capacity of either of the containers is such that it would not be possible for them to be lifted manually and tilted to dump the contents thereof into the receiving hopper of the vehicle. The containers l5 and 16 and others similar thereto and perhaps of intermediate sizes are intended to be located at the sites of industrial and commercial concerns, into which refuse is deposited for collection by the vehicle 10.

The container lift system 14 consists of a carrier mechanism 43 mounted on the top wall 24 of the receiving hopper above the opening 27 and intermediate the side walls 20 and 21, a pair of cables 44 and 45 operatively connected at one set of ends to the carrier mechanism 43 and connectable at the opposite ends thereof with the connecting trunnions 38 and 39 of container 15, a takeup or a hoist mechanism 46 mounted on the rearward end of top wall 19 of the storage body, intermediate the side walls 17 and 18 thereof and substantially in longitudinal alignment with the carrier mechanism 43, and a cable 47 secured at one end to the storage body, operatively connected to the takeup or hoist mechanism 46, connectable at a free end to the connecting fixture 42 of a container 16, and operatively connectable intermediate the free end thereof and its operative connection with the takeup or hoist mechanism 46, with the carrier mechanism 43.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the carrier mechanism 43 includes a pair of longitudinally disposed, transversely spaced guide channels 48 and 49 providing a pair of opposed guide tracks 48a and 49a for guiding longitudinally therein a guide assembly 50. The forward ends of the channel members 48 and 49 are provided with a pair of support channels 51 and 52 which are disposed at an angle relative to the members 48 and 49 and are rigidly secured to brackets 53 and 54 secured to a cross-beam member 55. As best shown in FIG. 2, the ends of cross-beam member 55 are rigidly connected to brackets 56 and 57 secured to the side walls and 21 of the hopper. Also supported on the cross-beam member 55 is a roller assembly 58 consisting of a pair of transversely spaced brackets 59 and 60 provided with bearings blocks 61 and 62 in which there are journaled the ends of a roller 63.

The rearward ends of channel members 48 and 49 are provided with a pair of laterally projecting support plates 64 and 65 provided with end plates 66 and 67 rigidly secured to a cross-beam member 68 secured to the top wall 24 and at the ends thereof to support plates 69 and 70 rigidly secured to the side walls 20 and 21 of the hopper.

The carrier assembly 50 is best illustrated in FIGS. 6 through 8. The assembly consists of a pair'of longitudinally disposed, transversely spaced plate members 71 and 72 interconnected at the lower ends thereof by a plate member 73, intermediate the ends thereof by a bifurcated anchoring member 74 and forwardly of the anchoring member 74 by a reinforcing plate member 75. As best illustrated in FIG. 7, the transverse dimension between the outer surfaces of plates 71 and 72 is slightly less than the transverse dimension between the inner ends of channel members 48 and 49 so that the plate members 71 and 72 will be free to slide between the channel members 48 and 49 along the length thereof. The bottom plate 73 is rigidly secured to plate members 71 and 72 and is provided with a pair of opening 76 and 77 for connecting the cables 44 and 45 to the carrier assembly. The anchoring member includes a lower section 74a disposed substantially perpendicular to plate member 73 and a rearwardly inclined section 74b. Both sections of member 74 are provided with a center slot 78 having a lower portion 78a provided with a width slightly greater than the diameter of the cable 47, and an upper diverging portion 78b. The carrier assembly 50 is supported and slideably guided along the channel members 51 and 52 by means of a pair of wear blocks 79 and 80 secured along with spacer members 81 and 82 to the lower outer sides of plate members 71 and 72 by means of bolt fasteners 83. As shown in FIG. 7, the wear blocks 79 and 80 are received within guide tracks 48a and 49a to guide the carrier assembly 50 along the length of the channel members 48 and 49.

The cables 44 and 45 are substantially identical in construction. Cable 44 is connected at one end to the carrier member 50 by means of a thimble 84 passing through opening 76 of bottom plate 73, extends rearwardly between channel members 48 and 49, passes around a sheave 85 pivotally mounted on the support plate 65 and projecting through an opening in the rearward web section of channel member 48, extends laterally above the upper edge 26 of refuse receiving opening 25, passes around a sheave 86 mounted on the cross-beam member 68 adjacent the side edge 29 of opening 25, extends downwardly and rearwardly, passing over and around a sheave 87 and over and under a sheave 88 mounted on a bracket 89 secured to the inner side of hopper side wall 20, and is provided with a thimble 90 having a hook member 91 adapted to be connected to trunnion 41 of container 15. Similarly, the cable 45 is provided with a thimble 92 at one end thereof which passes through the opening 77 in plate member 73 to connect one end of the cable to the carrier assembly 50, extends rearwardly and passes around a sheave 93 mounted on support plate 64 and projecting through a removed portion of the rearward web section of channel member 49, extends laterally above and along the upper edge 26 of opening 25, passes around a sheave 94 mounted on cross-beam member 68, projects downwardly and passes over and under a pair of sheaves comparable to sheaves 87 and 88, and is provided with a thimble 95 having a hook member 96 which is adapted to be hooked onto the trunnion 40 of a container 15.

Referring to FIG. 3, the takeup or hoist mechanism 46 generally consists of a longitudinally disposed piston and cylinder assembly 97 disposed within a housing 98. The assembly 97 consists of a cylinder 99 rigidly secured at its forward end on a bracket 100 and at its rearward end on a bracket 101, and a piston or ram 102. The bracket 101 is mounted on a cross-beam member 103 on which there also is mounted a bracket 104 supporting a pair of guide sheaves 105 and 106. The bracket 100 is secured to a support plate 107 on which there is mounted a sheave 108 below the cylinder 99. The free end of the piston or ram 102 is provided with a bracket 109 on which there is mounted a pair of sheaves 110 and 111, on opposite sides thereof.

The cable 47 is rigidly connected at one end thereof to the cross-beam member 103, within the housing 98, as at 112, extends forwardly and passes over and around sheave 108, extends forwardly and passes under and around sheave 111, and extends rearwardly between guide sheaves 105 and 106, over roller 63 and rearwardly over top wall 24 of the hopper. The free end of the cable 47 is provided with a thimble 112 having a hook member 113 which either may be hooked onto a cleat 114 mounted on side wall 21 of the hopper when the cable is not in use or to the fitting 42 of a container 16 when the cable is used to lift and tilt a container 16.

As best shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the cable further is provided intermediate the free end thereof and the portion passing over roller 63 with a rigidly secured block 115 which is adapted to engage the anchor plate 74 when the portion of cable 47 disposed immediately forwardly thereof passes through portion 78a of slot 78 in the anchor plate 74. It will be appreciated that when the block 115 is disengaged from the carrier member 50, the takeup or hoist mechanism 46 may be operated to freely take up or play out the cable 47. However,

when the block 115 of cable 47 engages the carrier assembly 50 as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, whenever the takeup or hoist mechanism 46 is operated to take up cable 47, the carrier assembly 50 correspondingly will be caused to move forwardly, guided along guid tracks 48a and 49a, and take up cables 44 and 45 by virtue of their connection to the carrier assembly.

As previously mentioned, the containers and 16 are intended to be located at various sites within a geographic area serviced by the refuse collection vehicle, on the premises of industrial, commercial and other large producers of refuse. In collecting refuse from such containers, the refuse collection vehicle as described is transported to such sites and utilizes the above-described container lift system for lifting and tilting such containers to charge the contents thereof through the receiving opening in the hopper of the vehicle. More specifically, whenever it is desired to collect the contents of a container 16, the refuse vehicle is aligned ahead and longitudinally with the container 16 and then backed towards the container until the cam surfaces 30a and 31a of brackets 30 and 31 engage the pivot trunnions disposed on the forward end of the container 16. When contact is made, the vehicle is stopped, the mechanism 46 is operated to retract the piston 102 and thus permit the cable 47 to be played out, and the hook 113 of cable 47 is hooked onto the fitting 42 disposed at the rear end of container 16. The mechanism 46 is then operated to extend the piston 102. As the piston extends, the cable 47, disengaged from the carrier assembly 50, will be drawn forwardly to cause the pivot trunnions of the container to slide downwardly along cam surfaces 30a and 31a and become seated on curved seating surfaces 30b and 31b. As soon as such trunnions become seated and the piston 102 continues to extend, the container will be caused to be lifted and tilted forwardly to discharge the contents thereof through the open upper end thereof and through refuse receiving opening 25, into the hopper 13. Once the contents of the container 16 have been charged into the hopper, the mechanism 46 is operated to retract the piston 102 and thus permit the lowering of container 16 so that it again rests on the ground. At such point, the hook 114 may be unhooked from the fitting 46 and hooked onto the cleat 114. The mechanism within the hopper 13 then may be operated to transfer the load of refuse in the hopper to the storage body and to compact it therein against the ejector panel. The container thus is repositioned and in condition to accumulate refuse again.

When it is desired to transfer a load of refuse from a container 15 having a smaller capacity than the container 16, into the hopper 13 of the vehicle, the vehicle again is aligned with the container 15 and backed toward the container until the pivot trunnions 38 and 39 thereof engage the cam surfaces 30a and 31a of brackets 30 and 31. As soon as contact is made, the vehicle is stopped and the operator secures the hooks 91 and 96 to the trunnions 40 and 41 of container 15 and arranges the cable 47 so that the portion thereof disposed forwardly of the block 115 is disposed in the lower portion 78a of slot 78 provided in the anchor plate 74. The operator then actuates the mechanism 46 to extend the piston 102. As the piston extends, the cable 47 is taken up so that the block 115 is caused to engage the anchor plate 74 and thus cause the carrier assembly 50 to slide forwardly within the guide tracks 48a and 49a. As the carrier assembly moves forwardly, the cables 44 and 45 will be taken up so that the pivot trunnions 38 and 39 will be caused to slide downwardly along cam surfaces 30a and 31a and become seated in curved seats 30b and 31b. As the cable 47 continues to be taken up and the carrier assembly moves forwardly, the container 15 will be caused to be lifted and tilted forwardly to discharge the contents thereof through the upper open end of the container, through the refuse receiving opening 27 and into the hopper 13. After the refuse has been dumped into the hopper, the mechanism 46 again is actuated to retract the piston 102 and thus permit the container to be lowered and tilted downwardly. The cables 44 and 45 may then be disconnected from the container 15 so that the vehicle will be free to proceed to the next container.

It thus will be seen that the present invention is adapted to accommodate large capacity containers of different sizes by utilizing a single hoist mechanism and without interfering with the packing mechanism of the vehicle. It further will be noted that the system is simple in construction and adapted to be mounted on existing vehicles.

From the foregoing detailed description, it will be evident that there are a number of changes, adaptations and modifications of the present invention which come within the province of those persons skilled in the art. However, it is intended that all such variations not departing from the spirit of the invention be considered as within the scope thereof as limited solely by the appendant claims.

We claim:

1. In a refuse collection vehicle having a refuse receiving opening and means mounted adjacent said refuse receiving opening to which a detached refuse container may be pivotally connected for tilting said container toward said refuse receiving opening to charge refuse from said container through said refuse receiving opening into said vehicle, a lift system cooperable with said pivotal connection means for tilting refuse containers and thereby charging the contents thereof through said refuse receiving opening into said vehicle, comprising a takeup mechanism mounted on said vehicle, a first cable operatively connected to said takeup mechanism and provided with means detachably connectable to a first container when said first container is pivotally connected to said vehicle whereupon when said first container is pivotally connected to said vehicle, said first cable is connected to said first container and said takeup mechanism is operated, said first container will be caused to tilt toward said vehicle and charge the contents thereof through said refuse receiving opening into said vehicle, at least a second cable supported on said vehicle having means detachably connectable to a second container when said second container is pivotally connected to said vehicle, and means for detachably connecting said first and second cables together whereupon when said second container is pivotally connected to said vehicle, said second cable is connected to said second container, said first and second cables are connected together and said takeup mechanism is operated, said second container will be caused to tilt toward said vehicle and charge the contents thereof through said refuse receiving opening into said vehicle.

2. A refuse collection vehicle according to claim 1 wherein said takeup mechanism comprises a fluid actuated piston and cylinder assembly.

3. A refuse collection vehicle according to claim 2 wherein the piston of said piston and cylinder assembly is provided with a sheave and said first cable is reeved about said sheave and rigidly secured to said vehicle whereby upon operating said piston and cylinder assembly said piston will be caused to extend and retract thereby effecting the tilting of a container pivotally connected to said vehicle.

4. A refuse collection vehicle according to claim 1 wherein said takeup mechanism comprises a winch.

5. A refuse collection vehicle according to claim 1 wherein said means for detachably connecting said first and second cables to said containers comprise hook members connectable to said containers at points thereon spaced outwardly from the pivotal connection thereof with said vehicle.

6. In a refuse collection vehicle having a refuse receiving opening and means mounted adjacent said refuse receiving opening to which a detached refuse container may be pivotally connected for tilting said container toward said refuse receiving opening to charge refuse from said container through said discharge opening into said vehicle, a lift system cooperable with said pivotal connection means for tilting refuse containers and thereby charging the contents thereof through said refuse receiving opening into said vehicle, comprising a takeup mechanism mounted on said vehicle, a first cable operatively connected to said takeup mechanism and provided with means detachably connectable to a first container when said first container is pivotally connected to said vehicle whereupon when said first container is pivotally connected to said vehicle, said first cable is connected to said first container and said takeup mechanism is operated, said first container will be caused to tilt toward said vehicle and charge the contents thereof through said refuse receiving opening into said vehicle, a carrier member slideably mounted on said vehicle, at least a second cable permanently connected to said carrier member having means detachably connectable to a second container when said second container is pivotally connected to said vehicle, and means for detachably connecting said first cable to said carrier member whereupon when said second container is pivotally connected to said vehicle, said second cable is connected to said second container, said first cable is connected to said carrier member and-said takeup mechanism is operated, said second container will be caused to tilt toward said vehicle and charge the contents thereof through said refuse receiving opening into said vehicle.

7. A refuse collection vehicle according to claim 6 wherein said carrier member is slideable between said takeup mechanism and said refuse receiving opening.

8. A refuse collection vehicle according to claim 6 wherein said carrier member includes a bifurcated anchoring element adapted to receive said first cable therein and said first cable includes means engageable with said anchoring element when said first cable is received therethrough for connecting said first cable to said second cable in effecting the tilting of said second container.

9. A refuse collection vehicle according to claim 6 including a third cable permanently connected to said carrier member and having means detachably connect- 'second container.

10. A refuse collection vehicle according to claim 9 including a plurality of sheaves mounted on said vehicle for guiding said second and third cables about a portion of the periphery of said refuse receiving opening.

11. A refuse collection vehicle according to claim 6 wherein said takeup mechanism comprises a fluid actuated piston and cylinder assembly.

12. A refuse collection vehicle according to claim 11 wherein the piston of said piston and cylinder assembly is provided with a sheave and said first cable is reeved about said sheave and rigidly secured to said vehicle whereby upon operating said piston and cylinder assembly said piston will be caused to extend and retract thereby effecting the tilting of a container pivotally connected to said vehicle.

13. A refuse collection vehicle according to claim 6 wherein the said takeup mechanism comprises a winch.

14. A refuse collection vehicle according to claim 6 wherein said means for detachably connecting said cables to said containers comprise hook members connectable to said containers at points thereon spaced from the pivotal connection with said vehicle.

15. In a refuse collection having a refuse storage body and a refuse receiving hopper mounted on said storage body, said refuse receiving hopper having an opening for charging refuse therethrough into said hopper, and means mounted on said hopper adjacent said refuse receiving opening to which a detached refuse container may be pivotally connected for tilting said container toward said refuse receiving opening to charge refuse from said container through said charging opening into said refuse receiving hopper, a lift system cooperable with said pivotal connection means for tilting refuse containers and thereby charging the contents thereof through said refuse receiving opening into said refuse receiving hopper, comprising a takeup mechanism mounted on said storage body above said refuse receiving opening, a first cable operatively connected to said takeup mechanism and provided with means detachably connectable to a first container with said first container is pivotally connected to saidvehicle whereupon when said first container is pivotally connected to said vehicle, said first cable is connected to said first container and said takeup mechanism is operated, said first container will be caused to tilt toward said vehicle and charge the contents thereof through said refuse receiving opening into said hopper, a carrier member mounted on said hopper between said takeup mechanism and said refuse receiving opening for sliding movement therebetween, at least a second-cable permanently connected to said carrier member having means detachably connectable to a second container when said second container is pivotally connected to said vehicle, and means for detachably connecting said first cable to said carrier member whereupon when said second container is pivotally connected to said vehicle, said second cable is connected to said second container, said first cable is connected to said carrier member and said takeup mechanism is operated, said second container will be caused to tilt toward said hopper and charge the contents thereof through said refuse re ceiving opening into said hopper.

16. A refuse collection vehicle according to claim 15 wherein said takeup mechanism comprises a fluid actuated piston and cylinder assembly.

17. A refuse collection vehicle according to claim 16 wherein the piston of said piston and cylinder assembly is provided with a sheave and said first cable is reeved about said sheave and rigidly secured to said vehicle whereby upon operating said piston and cylinder assembly said piston will be caused to extend and retract thereby effecting the tilting of a container pivotally connected to said vehicle.

18. A refuse collection vehicle according to claim 15 wherein said takeup mechanism comprises a winch.

19. A refuse collection vehicle according to claim 15 wherein said means for detachably connecting said first and second cables to said containers comprise hook members connectable to said containers at points thereon spaced outwardly from the pivotal connection thereof with said vehicle.

20. A refuse collection vehicle according to claim 15 including means mounted on said hopper between said takeup mechanism and said refuse receiving opening for guiding said carrier member longitudinally.

21. A refuse collection vehicle according to claim 15 wherein said carrier member includes a bifurcated anchoring element adapted to receive said first cable therein, and said first cable includes means engageable with said anchoring element when said first cable is received therethrough for connecting said first cable to said second cable in effecting the tilting of said second container.

22. A refuse collection vehicle according to claim 15 including a third cable permanently connected to said carrier member and having means detachably connectable to said second container wherein said second and third cables are adapted to cooperate in tilting said second container.

23. A refuse collection vehicle according to claim 22 including a plurality of sheaves mounted on said vehicle for guiding said second and third cables about a portion of the periphery of said refuse receiving opening.

24. A refuse collection vehicle according to claim 15 including means mounted on said hopper between said takeup mechanism and said refuse receiving opening for guiding said carrier member longitudinally, a third cable permanently connected to said carrier member and having means detachably connectable to said second container wherein said second and third cables are adapted to cooperate in tilting said second container, and a pluality of sheaves mounted on said vehicle for guiding said second and third cables about a portion of the periphery of said refuse receiving opening, and wherein said carrier member includes a bifurcated anchoring element adapted to receive said first cable therein, and said first cable includes means engageable with said anchoring element when said first cable is received therein for connecting said first cable to said second and third cables in efiecting the tilting of said second container. 

1. In a refuse collection vehicle having a refuse receiving opening and means mounted adjacent said refuse receiving opening to which a detached refuse container may be pivotally connected for tilting said container toward said refuse receiving opening to charge refuse from said container through said refuse receiving opening into said vehicle, a lift system cooperable with said pivotal connection meAns for tilting refuse containers and thereby charging the contents thereof through said refuse receiving opening into said vehicle, comprising a takeup mechanism mounted on said vehicle, a first cable operatively connected to said takeup mechanism and provided with means detachably connectable to a first container when said first container is pivotally connected to said vehicle whereupon when said first container is pivotally connected to said vehicle, said first cable is connected to said first container and said takeup mechanism is operated, said first container will be caused to tilt toward said vehicle and charge the contents thereof through said refuse receiving opening into said vehicle, at least a second cable supported on said vehicle having means detachably connectable to a second container when said second container is pivotally connected to said vehicle, and means for detachably connecting said first and second cables together whereupon when said second container is pivotally connected to said vehicle, said second cable is connected to said second container, said first and second cables are connected together and said takeup mechanism is operated, said second container will be caused to tilt toward said vehicle and charge the contents thereof through said refuse receiving opening into said vehicle.
 2. A refuse collection vehicle according to claim 1 wherein said takeup mechanism comprises a fluid actuated piston and cylinder assembly.
 3. A refuse collection vehicle according to claim 2 wherein the piston of said piston and cylinder assembly is provided with a sheave and said first cable is reeved about said sheave and rigidly secured to said vehicle whereby upon operating said piston and cylinder assembly said piston will be caused to extend and retract thereby effecting the tilting of a container pivotally connected to said vehicle.
 4. A refuse collection vehicle according to claim 1 wherein said takeup mechanism comprises a winch.
 5. A refuse collection vehicle according to claim 1 wherein said means for detachably connecting said first and second cables to said containers comprise hook members connectable to said containers at points thereon spaced outwardly from the pivotal connection thereof with said vehicle.
 6. In a refuse collection vehicle having a refuse receiving opening and means mounted adjacent said refuse receiving opening to which a detached refuse container may be pivotally connected for tilting said container toward said refuse receiving opening to charge refuse from said container through said discharge opening into said vehicle, a lift system cooperable with said pivotal connection means for tilting refuse containers and thereby charging the contents thereof through said refuse receiving opening into said vehicle, comprising a takeup mechanism mounted on said vehicle, a first cable operatively connected to said takeup mechanism and provided with means detachably connectable to a first container when said first container is pivotally connected to said vehicle whereupon when said first container is pivotally connected to said vehicle, said first cable is connected to said first container and said takeup mechanism is operated, said first container will be caused to tilt toward said vehicle and charge the contents thereof through said refuse receiving opening into said vehicle, a carrier member slideably mounted on said vehicle, at least a second cable permanently connected to said carrier member having means detachably connectable to a second container when said second container is pivotally connected to said vehicle, and means for detachably connecting said first cable to said carrier member whereupon when said second container is pivotally connected to said vehicle, said second cable is connected to said second container, said first cable is connected to said carrier member and said takeup mechanism is operated, said second container will be caused to tilt toward said vehicle and charge the contents thereof through said refuse receiving opening into said vehicle.
 7. A refuse collection vehicle according to claim 6 wherein said carrier member is slideable between said takeup mechanism and said refuse receiving opening.
 8. A refuse collection vehicle according to claim 6 wherein said carrier member includes a bifurcated anchoring element adapted to receive said first cable therein and said first cable includes means engageable with said anchoring element when said first cable is received therethrough for connecting said first cable to said second cable in effecting the tilting of said second container.
 9. A refuse collection vehicle according to claim 6 including a third cable permanently connected to said carrier member and having means detachably connectable to said second container wherein said second and third containers are adapted to cooperate in tilting said second container.
 10. A refuse collection vehicle according to claim 9 including a plurality of sheaves mounted on said vehicle for guiding said second and third cables about a portion of the periphery of said refuse receiving opening.
 11. A refuse collection vehicle according to claim 6 wherein said takeup mechanism comprises a fluid actuated piston and cylinder assembly.
 12. A refuse collection vehicle according to claim 11 wherein the piston of said piston and cylinder assembly is provided with a sheave and said first cable is reeved about said sheave and rigidly secured to said vehicle whereby upon operating said piston and cylinder assembly said piston will be caused to extend and retract thereby effecting the tilting of a container pivotally connected to said vehicle.
 13. A refuse collection vehicle according to claim 6 wherein the said takeup mechanism comprises a winch.
 14. A refuse collection vehicle according to claim 6 wherein said means for detachably connecting said cables to said containers comprise hook members connectable to said containers at points thereon spaced from the pivotal connection with said vehicle.
 15. In a refuse collection having a refuse storage body and a refuse receiving hopper mounted on said storage body, said refuse receiving hopper having an opening for charging refuse therethrough into said hopper, and means mounted on said hopper adjacent said refuse receiving opening to which a detached refuse container may be pivotally connected for tilting said container toward said refuse receiving opening to charge refuse from said container through said charging opening into said refuse receiving hopper, a lift system cooperable with said pivotal connection means for tilting refuse containers and thereby charging the contents thereof through said refuse receiving opening into said refuse receiving hopper, comprising a takeup mechanism mounted on said storage body above said refuse receiving opening, a first cable operatively connected to said takeup mechanism and provided with means detachably connectable to a first container with said first container is pivotally connected to said vehicle whereupon when said first container is pivotally connected to said vehicle, said first cable is connected to said first container and said takeup mechanism is operated, said first container will be caused to tilt toward said vehicle and charge the contents thereof through said refuse receiving opening into said hopper, a carrier member mounted on said hopper between said takeup mechanism and said refuse receiving opening for sliding movement therebetween, at least a second cable permanently connected to said carrier member having means detachably connectable to a second container when said second container is pivotally connected to said vehicle, and means for detachably connecting said first cable to said carrier member whereupon when said second container is pivotally connected to said vehicle, said second cable is connected to said second container, said first cable is connected to said carrier member and said takeup mechanism is operated, said second container will be caused to tilt toward said hopper and chargE the contents thereof through said refuse receiving opening into said hopper.
 16. A refuse collection vehicle according to claim 15 wherein said takeup mechanism comprises a fluid actuated piston and cylinder assembly.
 17. A refuse collection vehicle according to claim 16 wherein the piston of said piston and cylinder assembly is provided with a sheave and said first cable is reeved about said sheave and rigidly secured to said vehicle whereby upon operating said piston and cylinder assembly said piston will be caused to extend and retract thereby effecting the tilting of a container pivotally connected to said vehicle.
 18. A refuse collection vehicle according to claim 15 wherein said takeup mechanism comprises a winch.
 19. A refuse collection vehicle according to claim 15 wherein said means for detachably connecting said first and second cables to said containers comprise hook members connectable to said containers at points thereon spaced outwardly from the pivotal connection thereof with said vehicle.
 20. A refuse collection vehicle according to claim 15 including means mounted on said hopper between said takeup mechanism and said refuse receiving opening for guiding said carrier member longitudinally.
 21. A refuse collection vehicle according to claim 15 wherein said carrier member includes a bifurcated anchoring element adapted to receive said first cable therein, and said first cable includes means engageable with said anchoring element when said first cable is received therethrough for connecting said first cable to said second cable in effecting the tilting of said second container.
 22. A refuse collection vehicle according to claim 15 including a third cable permanently connected to said carrier member and having means detachably connectable to said second container wherein said second and third cables are adapted to cooperate in tilting said second container.
 23. A refuse collection vehicle according to claim 22 including a plurality of sheaves mounted on said vehicle for guiding said second and third cables about a portion of the periphery of said refuse receiving opening.
 24. A refuse collection vehicle according to claim 15 including means mounted on said hopper between said takeup mechanism and said refuse receiving opening for guiding said carrier member longitudinally, a third cable permanently connected to said carrier member and having means detachably connectable to said second container wherein said second and third cables are adapted to cooperate in tilting said second container, and a plurality of sheaves mounted on said vehicle for guiding said second and third cables about a portion of the periphery of said refuse receiving opening, and wherein said carrier member includes a bifurcated anchoring element adapted to receive said first cable therein, and said first cable includes means engageable with said anchoring element when said first cable is received therein for connecting said first cable to said second and third cables in effecting the tilting of said second container. 